Park battle for draw

BOTH teams needed to win and both left disappointed after playing out a draw that helps neither in their battle for survival.

Park won the toss and asked Cheadle Hulme to bat first.

Captain Stuart Hayes and fellow slow bowler Visnu Bhardwa stemmed the early flow of runs as their guests threatened to post an unassailable total.

A brilliant hat-trick by Aussie Aiden Baker (3-71) applied the brakes as Cheadle's lower order looked likely to undo Bhardwa's fine work.

Bhardwa (4-65) was the pick of the bowling attack for Winnington, while Les Shields (72) and Phil Balderson (64) top-scored for the visitors.

In reply Park began well and kept pace with a demanding run rate, before their middle order crumbled.

Loose shots and poor running between the wickets saw them fall from 137-2 to 156-7.

Baker capped a fine all round performance, hitting 84, as Bhardwa and then Hayes made sure Park clung on for a draw when their chances of a successful run chase faded.

Hayes' team continue to prop up the table but he remains upbeat about their prospects.

He said: "We are still confident of putting in some big performances in the next few weeks."

Winnington Park travel to Timperley at the weekend.